Search:

Would you like to contribute to this site? Massage Menu Submit an Article Submit a Tip Place your Ad Add URL Massage Questions? Contact Us  Massage Therapy   Massage Therapists   Aromatherapy Massage   Deep Tissue Massage   Therapeutic Massage   Pregnancy And Infant Massage   Sports Massage   Shiatsu Massage   Swedish Massage   Thai Massage   Types Of Massage   Massaging Body Points   Acupressure   Reflexology   Relaxation   Massage Training   Massage Therapy Schools   Massage Schools By Location   Massage Supplies   Massage Oils And Creams   Massage Tables   Massage Chairs   Aromatherapy Products   Get A Massage - US   Get a Massage - International   Day Spa   Massage Resources   Massage General Information   Healing Arts

Return To Massage Article Archive   Massage Therapy for Mental Health By Robyn Tellefsen Technology has improved numerous elements of society; unfortunately, our physical and mental health is not one of them. Computer work in particular causes many of us to sit hunched over a desk all day long, contending with aching shoulder, neck, back, and leg muscles as a result. Instead of suffering in silence, people are opting for professional help. Enter massage therapy. Letting Loose You may be familiar with massage therapy in the context of relaxing and rejuvenation, with the goal of stress reduction and increased energy levels. But thats only part of the holistic picture. Massage therapy is also used in the medical context to treat painful ailments, decompress tired and overworked muscles, rehabilitate sports injuries, and promote general health. Heres how it works: Through massage, therapists manipulate clients soft tissues to improve the bodys circulation and remove waste products from the muscles. Massage therapists can specialize in over 80 different types of massage, called modalities. Some of the more popular approaches include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, reflexology, acupressure, sports massage, and neuromuscular massage. Training to Unwind There are roughly 1,300 massage therapy training programs throughout the country. About 300 of these are accredited by a state board or department of education-certified accrediting agency. Massage therapy training includes subjects such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, business, and ethics, as well as hands-on practice of massage techniques. After completing massage therapy training, students may take one of two national certification exams administered by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, leading to the Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB) credential or the Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage (NCTM) credential. These credentials must be renewed every four years. In order to retain certification, those with massage therapy training must perform at least 200 hours of therapeutic massage during the four-year period, and complete a minimum of 48 massage therapy continuing education units (CEUs). Relaxing for a Living In such a tense society, there will always be a need for massage therapy. Massage therapists held about 97,000 jobs in 2004; about two-thirds were self-employed. And, employment is expected to grow faster than average over the 2004-2014 period, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Though the work is physically rigorous, you wont be putting in an 80-hour week. A therapist who gives massages anywhere from 15 to 30 hours per week is usually considered full time. And why not? Median hourly earnings of massage therapists, including gratuities earned, were $15.36 in May 2004, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $32.21. Experience the personal and professional benefits of massage therapy today. To find college and career schools near you, surf http://www.CollegeSurfing.com. © Copyright 2007 The CollegeBound Network All Rights Reserved NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active. About the Author: Robyn Tellefsen is a frequent contributor to The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school or career thats right for you! keywords: Massage | Massage Therapy | Spa Back Massage

Get your Massage questions answered... Subscribe to our Massage Newsletter FREE! Your First Name: Your Email Address: Enter above security code

Home  |   Massage Blog  |   Ask the Massage Expert  |   Massage Archive  |   Massage RSS Feeds  |   Advertise  |   Sitemap